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Genesis 14:13 - Avram allies with Mamre's clan?

Genesis 14:13 - בראשית 14:13

Hebrew Text

וַיָּבֹא הַפָּלִיט וַיַּגֵּד לְאַבְרָם הָעִבְרִי וְהוּא שֹׁכֵן בְּאֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא הָאֱמֹרִי אֲחִי אֶשְׁכֹּל וַאֲחִי עָנֵר וְהֵם בַּעֲלֵי בְרִית־אַבְרָם׃

English Translation

And there came one that had escaped, and told Avram the Hebrew; for he dwelt by the terebinths of Mamre the Emori, brother of Eshkol, and brother of ῾Aner: and these were confederate with Avram.

Transliteration

Va'yavo ha'palit va'yaged le'Avram ha'Ivri ve'hu shokhen be'Eilonei Mamre ha'Emori, achi Eshkol va'achi Aner, ve'heim ba'alei brit-Avram.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּבֹא֙ הַפָּלִ֔יט וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאַבְרָ֣ם הָעִבְרִ֑י וְהוּא֩ שֹׁכֵ֨ן בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜י מַמְרֵ֣א הָאֱמֹרִ֗י אֲחִ֤י אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ וַאֲחִ֣י עָנֵ֔ר וְהֵ֖ם בַּעֲלֵ֥י בְרִית־אַבְרָֽם׃
וַיָּבֹא֙ הַפָּלִ֔יט וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאַבְרָ֣ם הָעִבְרִ֑י וְהוּא֩ שֹׁכֵ֨ן בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜י מַמְרֵ֣א הָאֱמֹרִ֗י אֲחִ֤י אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ וַאֲחִ֣י עָנֵ֔ר וְהֵ֖ם בַּעֲלֵ֥י בְרִית־אַבְרָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 14:13) describes an event following the war of the four kings against the five kings, where Lot, Avram's nephew, was taken captive. A survivor of the battle comes to inform Avram, who is referred to here as "הָעִבְרִי" (the Hebrew). This is the first time Avram is called "the Hebrew" in the Torah, marking his distinct identity.

Avram as "הָעִבְרִי" (the Hebrew)

Rashi explains that Avram is called "הָעִבְרִי" because he descended from עֵבֶר (Eber), a descendant of Shem. Alternatively, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 42:8) offers that the term signifies Avram's alignment with the "other side" (עֵבֶר) of the world, as he stood apart from the idolatrous beliefs of his contemporaries. Ramban adds that this title emphasizes Avram's unique role as a monotheist in a polytheistic world.

Avram's Dwelling Place: "אֵלֹנֵי מַמְרֵא" (the Terebinths of Mamre)

Avram resided near the terebinths of Mamre, an Emorite. The Talmud (Sotah 10a) notes that Mamre was the one who advised Avram to perform the mitzvah of circumcision (Bereshit 17:23-27). This location is significant because it reflects Avram's diplomatic relationships with local leaders while maintaining his spiritual integrity.

The Confederates: Eshkol, Aner, and Mamre

The verse mentions that Eshkol and Aner were brothers of Mamre and "בַּעֲלֵי בְרִית־אַבְרָם" (allies of Avram). Rashi explains that they had entered into a treaty with Avram for mutual defense. The Radak elaborates that this alliance was based on shared interests but did not compromise Avram's religious principles. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 42:13) suggests that these alliances were part of Hashem's plan to ensure Avram's safety and influence in the land.

The Role of the "פָּלִיט" (the Escapee)

The escapee who brings news of Lot's capture plays a crucial role in prompting Avram's rescue mission. The Malbim explains that this was divinely orchestrated to demonstrate Avram's righteousness and his commitment to family. The Netziv adds that the escapee's report tested Avram's willingness to act with courage and chessed (kindness) despite personal risk.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Avram called 'the Hebrew' in this verse?
A: Avram is called 'the Hebrew' (הָעִבְרִי) because he came from the other side (עֵבֶר) of the Euphrates River, as explained by Rashi. This term also signifies that he stood apart from the rest of the world in his belief in one G-d, as the Midrash teaches.
Q: Who were Mamre, Eshkol, and Aner mentioned in this verse?
A: Mamre, Eshkol, and Aner were Emorite brothers who were allies (בַּעֲלֵי בְרִית) of Avram. According to the Midrash, they advised Avram regarding the covenant of circumcision (brit milah), and Mamre in particular encouraged him to follow G-d's command.
Q: Why did Avram live near the terebinths (oak trees) of Mamre?
A: Avram settled near the terebinths of Mamre because Mamre was his ally and supported him spiritually. Rashi explains that this location was also significant because it was where Avram later hosted the angels (as described in Genesis 18).
Q: What is the significance of the escaped person telling Avram about the war?
A: The escaped person informed Avram that his nephew Lot had been captured in the war (as mentioned in earlier verses). This led Avram to rescue Lot, demonstrating his loyalty to family and his bravery. The Talmud (Nedarim 32a) highlights this as an example of Avram's righteousness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avram's alliance with Mamre, Eshkol, and Aner?
A: This teaches the importance of forming positive relationships with those who support our spiritual growth, even if they are not part of our nation. As Rambam explains, we should seek wise counsel and allies who encourage mitzvot, just as Avram did.